Maharashtra Doctor Suicide Case: Landlord’s Son Arrested, Police Officer Still Absconding

Satara, October 25 The Maharashtra Police on Saturday arrested Prashant Bankar, one of the two accused in connection with the alleged suicide of a 29-year-old woman doctor in Phaltan taluka of Satara district. The arrest marks the first major development in the case that has sparked outrage across the state and prompted calls for an independent probe. Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi confirmed that Bankar, the son of the deceased doctor’s landlord, was taken into custody and will be produced before a court later on Saturday. The second accused, police sub-inspector (PSI) Gopal Badane, remains absconding, and a search operation is underway to trace him. The suspended officer was attached to Phaltan City police station. The woman doctor, who was working as a medical officer on a contractual basis at a government hospital in Phaltan, was found dead in a hotel room on Thursday night. Investigators recovered a note written in Marathi on her palm, in which she accused PSI Gopal Badane of raping her multiple times and alleged that Prashant Bankar had subjected her to months of physical and mental harassment. “The FIR has been registered against both accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape and abetment to suicide,” SP Doshi said, adding that the victim’s body had been sent for post-mortem examination. The officer also confirmed that the police sub-inspector named in the note had been immediately suspended pending investigation. According to officials familiar with the case, the victim and the suspended PSI hailed from the same district, Beed, and were reportedly related. The alleged abuse had continued for several months, leading the young doctor to take the extreme step. Preliminary findings indicate that the doctor checked into the hotel on Thursday evening and was later found hanging inside her room. The police recovered her mobile phone, personal belongings, and the note, which will be sent for forensic examination to verify handwriting and authenticity. The case has drawn widespread attention across Maharashtra, with political leaders, women’s rights activists, and medical associations demanding a fair and transparent investigation. Several leaders have urged the state government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure accountability and prevent interference by local officials. In a statement, the Satara police said efforts are being intensified to locate the absconding officer. “We are pursuing multiple leads and will arrest the second accused soon,” a senior investigator said. Meanwhile, the hotel staff and several witnesses are being questioned to establish the sequence of events leading up to the doctor’s death. The tragic incident has reignited discussions on workplace harassment, abuse of power, and the vulnerability faced by women in public service roles. Many have taken to social media to demand stricter action against police personnel accused of crimes against women. Authorities have urged restraint as the investigation continues and reminded the public to avoid spreading unverified information. The police have assured that the findings of the investigation will be made public once the inquiry concludes. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out for help. Helplines: Aasra – 022 2754 6669; Sneha Foundation – +91 4424640050; Sanjivini – 011 24311918; Roshni Foundation – 040 66202000; One Life – 78930 78930; SEVA – 09441778290. Maharashtra Doctor Suicide Case: Landlord’s Son Arrested Maharashtra Police have arrested Prashant Bankar, one of the two accused in the suicide of a 29-year-old woman doctor from Satara’s Phaltan taluka. The doctor was found dead in a hotel room, and a note on her palm accused police sub-inspector Gopal Badane of rape and Bankar of harassment. Badane remains absconding, and a search is underway. The incident has sparked outrage, with leaders demanding a Special Investigation Team probe. The young doctor, working on contract at a government hospital, had reportedly faced months of abuse. Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected soon.